South Africa Struggle

December 14, 1985

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Condemning violence by blacks against South Africa's apartheid laws is ''a kind of hypocrisy and racism,'' says Dr. Robert Smith, moderator of the United Church of Canada. At a press conference, Smith said, ''The most difficult question for many of us has to do with the question of armed struggle. The essence of the Christian faith is to forgive our enemies. Violence is something which in a Christian context is wrong, but for us to condemn those in South Africa who engage in violence is to miss the point.'' He said it was a response to government oppression. Smith said his church will continue supporting the ''humanitarian ends'' of the African National Congress, which South Africa has outlawed.